Knights leave Paco with 3 points and clean sheet in hand

In the last of our recent away-game circuit, the Knights traveled to the home of 4th placed Pascoe Vale FC, in what some would describe as a slow-burner match with a flicker of excitement and ultimately a flaming result for the visitors.

Starting 11

The match saw newcomers Andelo (pronounced Angelo) Svalina and Teeboy Kamara retain their selection in the starting 11, after an impressive showing for the Knights back in round 14, with Svalina scoring a penalty and Kamara assisting in Cvitkovic’s opening goal. This week’s match also saw the return of number one goalkeeper Harry Cakarun, as Jordan Gifkins sustained an injury during training earlier in the week.

The match saw both sides burst off the blocks, with opportunities in front of goal occurring at both ends. It was thanks to some tricky saves from a returning Cakarun that Paco remained scoreless for the entirety of the match.

The Knights were presented with a chance on goal thanks to a set piece taken by Svalina late in the first half, which could have seen the Knights claim a decisive lead right before half time, unfortunately the shot travelled just over the cross bar and out of danger for the home side. Despite chances at both ends, the first half remained scoreless and both teams entered the change rooms with a big task ahead for the remaining half.

Not long after the whistle blew, signifying the start of the second half, the Knights found themselves with the advantage thanks to an impressive run from the midfield onto goal by Teeboy Kamara. Egged on by the growing crowd chants of ‘Teeeeeeee-boyyyyyy!’, new crowd-favourite Kamara carried the ball from the midfield, beating his man onto goal and firing a howler into the back of the net. For the large Knights crowd in attendance, the opening goal couldn’t have been more welcomed.

The Knights had the opportunity to go two-nil up in 70th minute thanks to a handball from Paco’s Adrian Talarico. Like last week, Andelo Salina stepped up for the spot kick aiming for the top right hand corner of the goal, however Svalina’s shot uncharacteristically travelled too high and out of contention, giving the home fans a sigh of relief, much to the dismay of the travelling fans.

The remaining minutes of the match saw Paco try to edge their way back into the match but the task proved too much for the home side as the Knights walked away pinching all 3 points. Importantly for the visiting side, it was their second clean sheet of the season, helping ease their goal difference as they march onward to climb the table.

Whats next?

Please note – this weeks senior men’s game against Northcote has had a fixture change and will now be played on Friday night at Knights Stadium at the family friendly time of 7.30pm.